Afghanistan: Passenger bus targeted by bomb in Farah province July 31

Event

A roadside bomb detonated along the Herat-Kandahar highway in Farah province on the morning (local time) of Wednesday, July 31, heavily impacting a passenger bus traveling through the area. The incident occurred in the Bala Buluk district. According to the initial casualty report by local government officials, at least 28 people were killed in the blast, including women and children. However, the death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours as recovery efforts continue. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are, in part, intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country.

Advice

Individuals in Farah province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.